Pronunciation: [pˌaɹədəntˈa͡ɪtɪs] (IPA) 
Parodontitis is a dental disease that affects the gums and causes them to bleed and recede. The spelling of this word is based on the Greek roots "paro-" meaning "around" and "odont-" meaning "tooth". The correct pronunciation of "parodontitis" is pærədɒnˈtaɪtɪs, with the stress on the second syllable. The "a" is pronounced as "æ", similar to the "a" in "cat", and the "o" is pronounced as "ɒ", similar to the "o" in "hot".
Parodontitis, also known as periodontitis, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the periodontium, the soft and hard tissues supporting the teeth. This condition results in the progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting structures, leading to tooth loss if left untreated.
Parodontitis typically begins with inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. When gingivitis is not properly treated, it can advance to parodontitis. The condition is primarily caused by the long-term accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gum line. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms on the teeth when bacteria interact with saliva and food particles. If not thoroughly removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque hardens and transforms into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
As the disease progresses, the bacterial infection spreads beneath the gum line, leading to the breakdown of the connective tissues that hold the teeth in place. This causes the formation of periodontal pockets, spaces between the teeth and gums where bacteria thrive and worsen the inflammation. Over time, the pockets deepen, resulting in the loss of bone and gum tissue, which eventually leads to tooth mobility and potential tooth loss.
Common symptoms of parodontitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gum line, tooth sensitivity, and eventual tooth loss. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent further damage, and dental professionals may employ various techniques like scaling, root planing, and antibiotic therapy. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, is key to preventing and managing parodontitis.
Pyorrhea alveolaris.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "parodontitis" is derived from two Latin roots: "paro" and "dont".
- "Paro" comes from the Latin word "par" which means "around" or "near".
- "Dont" is derived from the Latin word "dens" which means "tooth".
Therefore, "parodontitis" is a combination of "paro" (around) and "dont" (tooth), referring to an inflammation (itis) that occurs around the tooth.
